Success Stories

Shawn Cooper

Stats

Occupation: Construction Project Manager

Results: Lost 36 pounds of fat. Gained 5 pounds of muscle *

Goal: Manage Weight

Shawn Cooper

As I conclude the Body-for-LIFE® Challenge, I am overwhelmed at the difference that a few focused changes have had on my life and the lives of those around me. Although the physical results were astounding, it was the long-term internal changes and my change in perspective that were the most significant.

My goal when I made the decision to do the Body-for-LIFE® Challenge was to transform physically, but what I realized early on is that my gradual weight gain and poor physical condition was not the root of my problem. The real issue was the slow creep of complacency and unfocused “good intention” over the last 10 years. I realized that by assessing my current routine, developing an educated plan, and choosing to live intentionally each day, I could become a more effective husband, dad, leader, friend, and mentor, and that my physical appearance would simply be a positive result of a more intentional approach to life.

The first step in my transformation was to develop a plan for the next 12 weeks. My only hope for long-term success was a realistic focused approach, with the flexibility and determination to live it out. The amazing thing is that by planning my days and weeks in advance, I was able to free up time in my days without eliminating the things that were important to me. I was learning to be more efficient and I was seeing tangible results, not only physically but also in every other area of my life. Personally I was experiencing significant relationship growth with family and friends. Professionally I was more efficient and with a healthy diet I was able to focus more consistently, without the ups and downs throughout the day that I was used to. Choosing to live each day with intention was not easy but it was immediately rewarding. As time went on I quickly became accustomed to my new lifestyle and by week 3 I felt I had hit my stride. With the Body-for-LIFE® principles, I had the tools to focus and push through the difficulties to reach a 10 when it was the most critical. Living intentionally was quickly becoming a habit, changing my life and affecting those around me in a very positive way.

As I progressed through the 12 week Body-for-LIFE® Challenge I was being asked on a regular basis how I was able to experience such dramatic physical changes. This opened the door for conversations, not only about diet and exercise but also about an overall improved quality of living life – intentionally – to its fullest potential and choosing to strive for a 10 at every opportunity. I was excited and motivated by the ripple effect that was occurring around me. Perhaps my favorite part of the Challenge was the opportunity to share with others and encourage them as they chose to realize their own potential. I could emphasize that they don’t need to spend 3 hours a day in the gym, or have tasteless, unrealistic diets. Even more, I emphasized that contrary to what they think, being physically healthy and achieving a dramatic transformation is not reserved for competitive body builders and elite athletes. Body-for-LIFE® is for real people with real schedules and commitments. It is for those who want to live life with an energy and excitement that they may not have experienced in a very long time. I love to watch the anticipation well up as they realize that the reward of choosing Body-for-LIFE,® and the breakthrough that happens as “good intention” becomes well focused energy with clear results, will be worth every ounce of effort and hard work that is invested.

So, as I continue now into the weeks, months, and years ahead with new habits and perspective, I look forward to inspiring others and leading my wife, daughter and sons toward a healthy and intentional lifestyle. I look forward to enjoying my new Body-for-LIFE® and living each day with energy and excitement.

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